Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Princecraft J1243 2004 vs Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Princecraft J1243 2004 vs Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC 2008 has a 145-hp advantage over the Princecraft J1243 2004's 5-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC 2008 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Princecraft J1243 2004 caps at 2. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Princecraft Super Pro 178 SC 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 17,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Princecraft J1243 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 2 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakePrincecraft
MakePrincecraft
ModelJ1243
ModelSuper Pro 178 SC
Model Year2004
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam43 in
Beam92 in. (2.3 m)
Beam - Meters1.09
Beam - Meters2.34
Beam - Inches43
Beam - Inches92
Weight - Detail112 lbs
Weight - Detail1,164 lbs. (528 kg)
Weight - kg50.8
Weight - kg527.98
Weight - lbs.112
Weight - lbs.1164
Height [transom]20 in
Height [transom]25 in. (0.6 m)
Length overall - Detail12 ft
Length overall - Detail17 ft. 5 in. (5.3 m)
Length overall - Meters3.66
Length overall - Meters5.31
Length overall - Inches144
Length overall - Inches209
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail40 in. (1.0 m)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters101.6
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches4
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (0.8 m)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches31
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Width [transom] - Detail75 in. (1.9 m)
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters5.3
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet17
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches5
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine max5 HP
Engine max150 hp (112 kW)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (132 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal35
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Operational Info
Maximum capacity410 lbs
Maximum capacityPerson: 744 lbs. (337 kg) Total: 1,488 lbs. (675 kg)
Maximum people2 Persons
Maximum people6
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull thicknessnot available
Hull thicknessBottom: 0.100 in. (2.5 mm) Side: 0.072 in. (1.8 mm)
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee